Holmes backs Cotter for Maroons
NORTH Queensland young gun Reuben Cotter has been backed to perform for Queensland if he is selected to represent the Maroons when Origin kicks off next month.
The Sarina product exploded into Origin calculations after a stirring performance in the Cowboys’ 35-4 win against the Eels in Darwin last week.
Cowboys coach Todd Payten backed his young charge if given the opportunity to make his debut by Maroons coach Billy Slater.
Cowboys teammate and Maroons flyer Val Holmes said while the 23-year-old knew what he had to do to play himself into the frame, he backed Cotter to do his state proud if given the chance.
“That’s definitely what Queensland prides itself on,” Holmes said. “Tough, tenacious, not missing tackles. “He’s born and bred here. “If he did pull a jersey on, he’d take it with two hands and do his family and Queensland proud. He knows he’s got to keep playing well, keep being consistent and if that call comes to wear the jersey, he’d do it proud.”
Cotter has had several battles with injury over the years, but Holmes said he had got his body right this season.
“He’s had a few bad runs there, especially being such a young kid and had a few surgeries,” Holmes said.
“It’s just the way he plays, he’s very tough, goes in at a hundred miles per hour, whether that’s running the ball or tackling. That probably doesn’t help with all his injuries.
“But he’s had a big off-season, he’s really prepared his body for this year and I think that he’s made a big jump with how he’s been playing.”